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WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies | Reporting the uneasy alliance made with Stalin's Russia
About this collection
Strange relationships are formed by war, not least that of the USSR and Great Britain in WWII.
The invasion of Russia by Nazi Germany in 1941 shattered their formerly expedient pact and sent the USSR into the arms of the West. Following on from the series 'World War II: Behind Closed Doors', which examines the controversial dealings of political leaders as events overtook them, we look at the ramifications of those dealings for the BBC. This collection reveals some of the pressures on the BBC as it sought to balance the wartime need for propaganda with unrestricted reporting of the news.
Features
- Ivan Mikhailovich Maisky
Ivan Mikhailovich Maisky
The Soviet Ambassador praises British workers for 'Tanks for Russia' week.
- Intelligence Report on German Propaganda
Intelligence Report on German Propaganda
- In Honour of Russia: Mary Lane
In Honour of Russia
Mary Lane
A former British resident of Moscow describes life there during the war.
- Memos Regarding Jokes about Russia
Memos Regarding Jokes about Russia
As Germany invades Russia, the BBC ponders the use of humour.
WWII: The Soviet Union Joins the Allies Collection
- Programmes (7)
- Documents (23)
Sir Walter Monckton, Director General of the Ministry
The Director General of the Ministry of Information speaks on its wartime role.
Anglo-Soviet Agreement
The Home Service interrupts its programming to make a special announcement.
Ivan Mikhailovich Maisky
The Soviet Ambassador praises British workers for 'Tanks for Russia' week.
News Postscript
Rt Hon Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
The British Foreign Secretary travels to Moscow as Germany invades Russia.
Sir Stafford Cripps
Colonel Britton introduces a broadcast to the occupied territories by Ambassador Sir Stafford Cripps.
In Honour of Russia
Reginald Watson-Jones
A member of the RAF's medical staff visits war-torn Moscow.
In Honour of Russia
Mary Lane
A former British resident of Moscow describes life there during the war.
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